Pakistani Gov’t In No Mood To Open Graft Cases Against President

Islamabad, July 25, IRNA – Pakistani government Tuesday told the Supreme Court that Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf cannot write a letter to Swiss authorities for reopening of graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari. The court had set July 25 for Prime Minister Ashraf to explain his position regarding writing a letter to Swiss authorities to re-open graft cases against the President. The apex court disqualified Yusuf Raza Gilani as Prime Minister last month after he refused to accept the court’s similar orders and the gov’t statement before the court has raised concern over another possible stalemate between the judiciary and the government. The apex court also rejected Prime Minister’s reply submitted to the court on Tuesday, saying that a plea for review of the court’s order should have been filed instead. The court said that its earlier orders in the same case cannot be revoked. The court ruled that if the government wants repeal of previous orders then it should file a petition under the rules. Earlier, in its reply submitted to the Supreme Court, the federation stated on Tuesday that Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf cannot write a letter to Swiss authorities. The federal government insisted that the court orders to the prime minister could not be followed and that they should be withdrawn. The Supreme Court in its last hearing had sought a compliance report from the Prime Minister and had hinted action if he fails to comply with the court’s orders under the Constitution. Official sources say that the Prime Minister had discussed the issue with the President and cabinet colleagues, particularly the Law Minister, but it seems the government does not intend to change its previous position of the Swiss letter. The court’s anti-corruption department had earlier revealed that nearly 60 million US dollars have been transferred to Swiss banks illegally and the money must be returned. The Supreme Court wants the government to write to the Swiss authorities to know how the money had been transferred and who owned it and that it should be brought back./end